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- 1
NASA has cancelled the Mars Sample Return mission, the long-planned effort to bring rocks collected by the Perseverance rover back to Earth. The programme had suffered years of cost overruns and schedule delays, with independent reviews estimating costs well above initial projections. The move leaves the future of returning Martian material to laboratories on Earth in serious doubt, and scientists are weighing what the cancellation means for Mars exploration.
- 2Astronomer turns sinking Starlink satellites into planetary barometer▼Astronomer watches Starlink satellites sinking to build a 'planetary barometer'
An astronomer is tracking the gradual orbital decay of Starlink satellites to build what he calls a 'planetary barometer'. Because the satellites' descent is influenced by the density of the upper atmosphere, which shifts with solar activity, their orbits can act as a large-scale sensor of conditions in near-Earth space. The idea has drawn attention among science and space enthusiasts debating whether commercial satellite constellations could double as scientific instruments.
- 3Radio Waves From Alien Planet Could Be Cosmic First▼Radio Waves Coming From an Alien Planet May Be a Cosmic First https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/29/science/space/exoplanet
Astronomers report detecting radio waves that may originate from an exoplanet, potentially the first such detection ever made. If confirmed, the signal would suggest the distant planet has a magnetic field, a property never directly observed on a world outside our solar system. The finding is drawing attention from space and astronomy enthusiasts following coverage by major science outlets, with researchers emphasising that further observations are needed to verify the origin of the emission.
- 4NASA turns to AI to mine decades of scientific data▼At NASA, AI is helping scientists unlock discoveries hidden in decades of data
NASA scientists are using artificial intelligence to comb through decades of archived data, surfacing discoveries that earlier analysis missed. A report by Microsoft highlights how machine learning tools are being applied to the space agency's vast historical datasets, helping researchers find new patterns and insights in old missions. The work illustrates a growing trend of AI-assisted science at major research institutions.
- 5James Webb telescope releases giant image hiding record-breaking stars▼James Webb telescope shares one of its biggest images ever, with record-breaking stars hiding in the dust — Space photo of the week
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has released one of its largest images to date, revealing record-breaking stars concealed within clouds of dust. The observation, highlighted by Live Science as its space photo of the week, showcases the telescope's ability to peer through obscuring material and capture distant stellar objects in unprecedented detail.
- 6US Space Diplomacy Week Held Across Germany▼From Human Spaceflight to the Next Generation: A Week of Space Diplomacy Across Germany
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Germany hosted a week of space diplomacy events across the country, titled 'From Human Spaceflight to the Next Generation.' The program connected American and German audiences around human spaceflight and outreach to young people interested in space careers, underscoring the strength of transatlantic cooperation in space exploration and science.
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Researchers say they have solved a space weather puzzle dating back to the 1840s, according to an Ars Technica report. The finding explains a long-unexplained historical observation from the early era of solar and geomagnetic study, drawing attention from science readers curious how modern analysis cracked a case nearly two centuries old.
- 8NASA's Roman Space Telescope sees starlight for the first time▼NASA’s new Roman Space Telescope sees starlight for the first time
NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has captured starlight for the first time, a key early test of its optics and instruments. The milestone marks progress for the wide-field observatory designed to survey vast stretches of the sky, study dark energy and hunt for exoplanets as it moves toward full science operations.
- 9ASEAN urged to set common standards for space sector▼ASEAN needs common standards for fast-growing space sector, says Malaysian Science Minister
Malaysia's Science Minister has called on ASEAN to adopt common standards for its fast-growing space sector, arguing that coordinated rules are needed as space activity expands across Southeast Asia. The appeal highlights growing regional interest in satellites, launch services and space technology, and the risk that differing national regulations could hold back cooperation and investment.
- 10Roman Space Telescope sends first data to Earth●Teleskop Nancy Grace Roman już przesyła dane na Ziemię, choć regularne obserwacje naukowe dopiero przed nim. Teraz NASA
NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has started transmitting data to Earth ahead of the start of its regular science observations. The agency tested whether ground stations could handle the incoming data stream once the telescope begins full operations. The trials involved ground stations operated by three agencies, including Japan's JAXA. The telescope's early data transmissions mark a key step toward the start of its planned survey mission.
- 11Physicists Find Evidence Gravity May Be Holographic●Gravity seems to be holographic: physicists discover it can collapse the dimensions of space but don't yet know what tha
Physicists report new evidence that gravity can collapse the dimensions of space, supporting the idea that gravity is holographic — that the universe's three-dimensional structure may be encoded on a lower-dimensional surface. Researchers stress the implications are not yet understood, and what this means for the nature of reality remains an open question driving discussion among cosmologists and science commentators.
- 12Asean urged to adopt common standards for space sector▼Asean needs common standards for fast-growing space sector, says Science Minister
Malaysia's Science Minister has called on Asean member states to develop common standards for the region's rapidly growing space sector. The appeal highlights the need for coordinated regulation as Southeast Asian countries expand satellite, launch and space-related activities, ensuring safety, interoperability and shared benefit across the bloc.
- 13Scientists solve 1840s space weather mystery●Scientists solve 1840s space weather mystery https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/09/scientists-solve-1840s-space-weathe
Scientists have resolved a long-standing space weather mystery dating back to the 1840s, according to new research covered by Ars Technica. The finding explains an unexplained phenomenon observed nearly two centuries ago, connecting historical records with modern understanding of solar and geomagnetic activity. The story is drawing attention for combining archival science history with a contemporary breakthrough.
- 14NASA science cargo launches on Northrop Grumman CRS-24 mission●NASA Science, Cargo Launch Aboard Northrop Grumman CRS-24
NASA and Northrop Grumman launched the CRS-24 resupply mission, carrying science experiments and cargo to the International Space Station aboard the Cygnus spacecraft. The commercial cargo flight delivers research materials and supplies to the station's crew as part of NASA's ongoing partnership with private industry for space station logistics.
- 15
A widely circulated science explorer claims something unusual is taking place on Mars, presenting observations that have drawn millions of viewers. No specific finding from NASA or other space agencies is detailed, so the claim cannot be verified. Interest in the Red Planet remains high as missions like Perseverance continue sending data back to Earth.
- 16Blood tests explain why astronauts get constipated in space▼Blood tests reveal why astronauts get constipated in space
Researchers say blood tests have identified why astronauts often suffer constipation during spaceflight, pointing to changes in the body measurable in the blood while in orbit. The finding sheds light on a common but rarely discussed problem of long-duration missions and could help protect crew health on future trips to the Moon and Mars.
- 17Asteroid mining company plans first fully autonomous space mission●Mike.Sierra.Echo edges closer to reality ... https://www. space.com/technology/without-a -single-command-from-the-ground
An asteroid mining company is preparing to launch the world's first fully autonomous space mission in 2027, one that would operate without a single command from the ground. The mission would mark a major step for independent spacecraft decision-making and for the emerging asteroid mining industry, drawing attention from space and science communities.
- 18
The James Webb Space Telescope has detected a black hole hidden inside a dense cocoon of gas, according to a report by Gadget Review. The finding offers a rare glimpse of an object normally obscured from view and could shed light on how black holes grow in the early universe. Astronomers and space enthusiasts are sharing the discovery widely.
- 19China's Einstein Probe scans the X-ray sky with lobster-eye optics●China's Einstein Probe satellite uses "lobster eye" optics to provide a unique, wide-field look at the x-ray sky. If som
China's Einstein Probe satellite is drawing attention for its unusual wide-field view of the X-ray universe. The spacecraft uses 'lobster eye' optics, a design inspired by how lobsters' eyes reflect light, allowing it to monitor a large swath of the sky at once. That means any sudden, violent X-ray event, such as a supernova or a feeding black hole, is likely to be caught quickly, giving astronomers worldwide rapid alerts to follow up with telescopes.
- 20PRIMA: French far-infrared expertise backs international science●# PRIMA : # expertise # française # infrarouge # lointain au # service # science # internationale . # PRIMA : # French #
PRIMA, a far-infrared space mission, is drawing on French expertise to serve the international scientific community, according to CNES. The French space agency highlights the country's role in far-infrared observation technology, which will enable astronomers to study cold objects in the universe, from distant planets to star-forming regions, in cooperation with international partners.
- 21Planck Image Maps the Milky Way's Magnetic Field●Our Galaxy's Magnetic Field from Planck Credits: ESA, Planck, CNRS, IAS, U. Paris-XI # nature # space # astrophotography
A striking image of the Milky Way's magnetic field, based on data from the European Space Agency's Planck satellite, is circulating among space enthusiasts. The map shows polarised light from galactic dust tracing the galaxy's magnetic field lines, credited to ESA, Planck, CNRS, IAS and Paris-XI University. It is being shared as an example of the beauty and value of astrophotography and public space science data.
- 22
A new animated take on how Saturn's rings formed is drawing large audiences online, ranking among the most engaged-with videos globally. The piece dramatizes the leading scientific ideas about the rings' origins, from a shattered moon to captured debris. Viewers are reacting to the mix of space science and storytelling, keeping planetary science firmly in the conversation.
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The SMILE satellite has ended an 18-year gap in observations of the northern lights, and researchers say new views of Earth's x-ray magnetic shield are just weeks away. The mission is expected to provide fresh insight into how the solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetic field, producing auroras. Space science outlets are highlighting the milestone and the images anticipated in the coming weeks.
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NASA's Psyche spacecraft is in the news again. The mission, launched to study the metal-rich asteroid Psyche between Mars and Jupiter, is being highlighted by NASA Science, prompting renewed public interest in the spacecraft and its journey through deep space toward its asteroid target.
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The European Space Agency has announced that the Smile mission has officially begun its science operations. Smile, a joint solar-weather mission, is designed to study how solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetic field. The start of the science phase means the spacecraft has completed commissioning and is now collecting data, a milestone space agencies and researchers have been following closely.
- 26Sputnik 1 Photos Revisit the Satellite That Started the Space Age●A Photographic Look at Sputnik 1, the Satellite That Launched the Space Age 69 Years Ago https://nautil.us/a-photographi
Nautilus has published a photographic retrospective of Sputnik 1, the Soviet satellite launched on October 4, 1957, roughly 69 years ago. The piece revisits the polished metal sphere whose beeping radio signals shocked the world and triggered the space race. The feature combines archival imagery with reflections on how a small satellite reshaped science, politics and technology.
- 27Questions Over Anthropic's Biology Breakthrough Origins▼Was Anthropic’s Biology Breakthrough Borrowed From Another Scientist’s Work?
Anthropic is facing questions over whether its much-discussed biology breakthrough drew on work from another scientist without adequate credit. The company's claims in the biology space have attracted attention, and the dispute over attribution has become a talking point in AI and science circles, raising broader concerns about how AI firms use and acknowledge academic research.
- 28Mysterious X-ray flashes traced to cataclysmic stellar mergers●Enigmatic flashes of x-rays in the sky may come from the catastrophic merger of two stars, creating an ultra-dense and u
Astronomers report that enigmatic flashes of X-rays in the sky may come from the catastrophic merger of two stars, producing an ultra-dense, ultra-magnetic remnant known as a magnetar. The findings emerged from a collaboration between Chinese and European science missions, and are drawing attention among space researchers and enthusiasts discussing what the discovery reveals about how magnetars form.
- 29NASA chief Jared Isaacman urges University of Arizona students to join space exploration●NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman inspires U of A students to help shape the golden age of space exploration
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman visited the University of Arizona, encouraging students to take part in what he described as the golden age of space exploration. His remarks highlighted opportunities for young researchers and engineers to contribute to NASA's missions, from lunar plans to deep-space science, as the agency seeks the next generation of talent.
- 30Recent Solar System Discoveries Capture Wide Attention●Incredible Solar System Discoveries from the Last Few Months (Video Compilation)
Science audiences are engaging with a roundup of recent solar system findings, compiling discoveries reported over the past few months. The collection has drawn strong interest, reflecting growing public appetite for space news, from planetary observations to updated insights about objects across our cosmic neighbourhood.
- 31Marcos backs Philippine space program after meeting analog astronauts●Marcos backs space program after meeting Filipino analog astronauts
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has voiced support for the country's space program after meeting Filipino analog astronauts, who train in simulated space environments to prepare for future missions. The meeting signals presidential backing for the Philippines' growing ambitions in space science, following the establishment of the Philippine Space Agency and continued efforts to build national astronaut capability.
- 32Artist offers small space-themed paintings for sale online●And these 4x4” minis are only $70 each! The 2 pieces at bottom $100 each. Plus shipping as always. Please boost and shar
A solo artist is selling 4x4 inch original miniature paintings, mostly space, science fiction and geometric abstract works, priced at 70 dollars each, with two larger pieces at 100 dollars each, plus shipping. The artist is asking people to share the sale widely, saying independent artists rely on support from buyers and boosters.
- 33Cedar Crossing unveils space exhibit and 16 new shows▼Cedar Crossing announces space exhibit at Compass Center, adds 16 shows to entertainment lineup
Cedar Crossing has announced a new space exhibit at its Compass Center venue, along with the addition of 16 shows to its entertainment lineup. The announcement expands the attraction's offerings for visitors, pairing a science-themed exhibit with a significantly broader slate of live entertainment. Further details on opening dates and featured acts have not yet been released.
- 34Women astronauts use social media to link science and femininity▼Women astronauts use social media to reframe science and femininity together
Women astronauts are using social media to present themselves as both scientists and women, challenging the idea that femininity and careers in space science are at odds. By sharing their work and personal lives online, they aim to make space careers more visible and accessible to girls and young women considering science.
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Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing, Michigan, has broken ground on a new TECH space that was designed with input from teenagers. The hands-on area is aimed at giving young visitors a place to explore technology and science, and the center says the teen involvement ensures the space reflects what young people actually want. Local outlet WILX reported on the groundbreaking ceremony.
- 36NASA Adds New Science Investigations for Planned Moon Base●NASA Adds New Science Investigations for Moon Base https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-adds-new-science-investigation
NASA has announced it is adding new science investigations to its plans for a base on the Moon. The agency says the additional research will expand the scientific work carried out at the future lunar outpost. Details of the specific investigations and instruments were published in NASA's official release, drawing attention from space and science communities.
- 37Artist offers MiniGeo space paintings at discount●All these 6x6” MiniGeos are still waiting to brighten your spaces and your days! $140 each, 2 for 250! Plus shipping. PM
An artist is selling a batch of 6x6-inch MiniGeo artworks at $140 each, or two for $250 plus shipping, and is taking orders by direct message. The pieces have a space and science fiction theme. The artist asked people to share the sale widely, saying it is a solo operation needing all the support it can get.
- 38NASA plans to send humanoid robots to the moon▼NASA wants to send humanoid robots to the moon https:// fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.pops ci.com/science/nasa-humanoid-robo
NASA is working on plans to send humanoid robots to the moon, according to a Popular Science report. The idea is that humanlike machines could perform tasks on the lunar surface before or alongside human crews, supporting future Artemis-era missions. The concept has drawn attention from robotics and space enthusiasts.
- 39New video traces the first transatlantic telegraph cable●⚡ NEW: A # video from Primordial Space traces how the first transatlantic # telegraph cable, laid 168 years ago, connect
Primordial Space has released a video tracing the history of the first transatlantic telegraph cable, laid 168 years ago to connect North America and Europe. The account charts the long road to that feat, from Jean-Antoine Nollet's 1746 electric shock experiment and Claude Chappe's semaphore towers through Volta's battery. It is being shared among science history enthusiasts online.
- 40
NASA is reportedly planning to send humanoid robots to the moon, according to Popular Science. The reported initiative would put human-like machines on the lunar surface, potentially to carry out tasks ahead of or alongside astronaut missions under the agency's broader lunar exploration plans. Details about which robots, timelines or partners would be involved remain limited so far.